Device, system and method for use with a ball game

ABSTRACT

A ball game device and system includes a ball-rebounding body having a frame within which a resilient surface is suspended. The frame is configured to be immovable for optimizing ball rebound. In this way, the body can be used on virtually any surface and the game played in virtually any environment. Preferably, the frame would have a base and a rebound surface-supporting structure. The resilient rebound surface is continuous and is configured to be variably tilted. The resilient surface is conical such that ball rebound and trajectory is rendered unpredictable, or predictable depending on where the ball strikes the resilient surface and/or a centrally disposed positioned within the rebound surface. In the preferred embodiment, defense boundaries offensive lines and other features are included to provide a wide variety of game formats. Notably the centrally disposed surface provides a spot that the thrower can aim at to maximize ball rebound.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods used toplay ball games. More specifically, this invention relates to a device,as well as to a system and a method, that is used to provide a uniqueball retrieving game for a plurality of players.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ball games, or ball sports, are well known. Such games are played insome form or other wherein a ball is a key feature of the game and canbe one of several different types. For example, “target” or “goal” ballgames such as basketball, golf and bowling require that the ball hit,land within or pass through some sort of target. “Impact” ball gamessuch as baseball and tennis require that the ball be impacted or hit byanother object, such as a bat and a racquet, respectfully, in order toimpart a desired trajectory of the ball by the user. Tennis andvolleyball would also be examples of “net” ball games.

The present invention is adapted from another type of ball game—a gameoriginating in the streets of Chicago, which is called “pinners.” Thepinners game was played, and continues to be played, using the stairs ofthe front-stoop of a building or walls with angled bricks/stones which“pop” a tossed ball up and into the air on rebound from the stairs. Thegame utilizes traditional Chicago “row house” architecture, with mosthouses having a front stoop or stairs that lead from the front door tothe sidewalk. In pinners, a first player (sometimes referred to as a“batter”) throws a highly resilient rubber (polybutadiene) ball, such asa SUPER BALL® (SUPER BALL is a registered mark of Wham-O Holding, Ltd.)or a simple tennis ball directed at the edge of a step or angled wallbrick, with both being considered the “sweet spot” for that throw, afterwhich secondary players attempt to catch the ball as it bounces back andaway from the step in some fairly unpredictable way. Normal play wouldbe throwing the ball at the ground first. The ball would hit the wall orfront of the step and bounce high out to the field. The ball could alsobe thrown at the wall or front of the stair, then it would hit theground and bounce low but fast—like a line drive. The edge or corner wasthe home run or sweet spot mentioned above.

Sometimes the secondary, or defending, players would wear mitts. Thescoring rules were similar to baseball, but with runs being determinedby where the ball lands, although variations to the rules were adoptedand used depending on the number of players and other factors. Forexample, a single, double, triple or home run would be predeterminedlandmarks, such as curbs, sidewalks, trees, cars, etc. As with mostneighborhood games, however, the rules varied by the groups playing andhouse rules would be determined at the start of the game, including baselocations.

In the view of this inventor, an adaptation of the pinners game had tobe created such that the players could enjoy this venerableball-toss-and-catch game, but in locations where stairs do not exist aswell as in a wide variety of other alternative play locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention provides for a ball game apparatusthat includes a ball-rebounding body having a frame within which aresilient surface is suspended. It is desirable to have the frame beconfigured such that it is immovable for optimizing ball rebound. Inthis way, the body can be used on virtually any surface and the gameplayed in virtually any environment.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame would have a base and a reboundsurface-supporting structure. The resilient rebound surface iscontinuous and is tiltable. The resilient surface is also inwardlytapered such that ball rebound and trajectory is rendered unpredictable,or predictable depending on the skill of the ball thrower. In thepreferred embodiment, defense boundaries, offensive lines and otherfeatures are included to provide a wide variety of game formats.

In this preferred embodiment, the ball-rebounding body would beconfigured to be placed at or near the water's edge of a body of water.That is, the ball-rebounding body would be placed on the sand of a beachsuch that it faces outwardly toward the water. In this way, the game canbe played as a water sport.

The foregoing and other features of the device, system and method of thepresent invention will be apparent from the detailed description thatfollows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the device and system that is constructedand configured in accordance with the present invention and showing theelements of the device and system as they would be positioned duringgame play on a variety of surfaces.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device and system that isconstructed and configured in accordance with the present invention andshowing the rearward portion of the device in a “down” position andfurther shows structure that changes the angle of tilt of the device.

FIG. 2A is a smaller view of the device shown in FIG. 2 and illustratingother elements of the device and system, including ball trajectory andboundary elements.

FIG. 3 is another side elevational view of the device and system that isconstructed and configured in accordance with the present invention andshowing the rearward portion of the device in an “up” position andlikewise shows structure that changes the angle of tilt of the device.

FIG. 4 a yet another side and cross sectioned elevational view of thedevice and system that is constructed and configured in accordance withthe present invention and showing taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a smaller front elevational view of the device that isillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5A is a partial view of the outer perimeter of the cone andsupporting structure of the device.

FIG. 5B is a partial view of the inner perimeter of the cone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numbers representlike elements throughout, FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate a ball-reboundingdevice and system that is constructed in accordance with the presentinvention. More specifically, FIG. 2 shows a ball-rebounding device,generally identified 10, that comprises a frame, generally identified20, the frame 20 having a number of structural components to enable useof the device 10 in a game as described herein. FIG. 2A shows the frame20 together with other structural elements that will be described laterin this detailed description.

The frame 20 comprises a primary frame member 22 that is configured as acircular structure. See also FIGS. 5 and 5A. At least one rear supportmember 21 is provided for supporting the circular frame member 22 frombehind. In the preferred embodiment, multiple rear support members 21are provided. Each rear support member 21 comprises a proximal end 11and a distal end 12. The proximal end 11 is disposed at the circularframe member 22 and secured thereto via an attachment means (not shown)of a type known in the industry. Preferably, the attachment means allowsthe proximal end 11 of the rear support member 21 to be adjustable inits position relative to the primary frame member 22.

The frame 20 further comprises two front support members 24 that supportthe frame 20 from below. Also see FIG. 5. At least one secondary rearsupport member 25 is provided. The secondary rear support member 25comprises an upper end 15 and a lower end 16, the lower end 16 beingconfigured for placement on a generally flat and substantiallyhorizontal surface. See also FIG. 3. The distal end 12 of each of therear support members 21 is connected to a rearward connection member 26either within an aperture or other connection means (not shown). Whenset up as intended, the connection member 26 comprises an aperture (alsonot shown) through which passes the secondary rear support member 25.The secondary rear support member 25 is movable upwardly and downwardlyrelative to the connection member 26. This movement allows the circularprimary frame member 22 to be adjustable, as will be discussed furtherin this detailed description. In the preferred embodiment, the front andrear support members 24, 25 provide three points of ground or surfacecontact so as to provide stability to the frame 20 when the device 10 isused as intended. Further, the distal end of each of the front and rearsupport members 24, 25 can comprise a non-skid foot or cap 27 whereinthe frame 20 is configured to be resistant to rearward movement duringgame play irrespective of the surface 1 upon which the frame 20 isplaced.

It is also to be appreciated that the front and rear support members 21,24, 25 can be configured as tubular structures having a variety of innerand outer diameters to provide structural support to the frame 20 whilealso making the support members lightweight for ease of movement.Further, the front and rear support members 21, 24, 25 can beconstructed from any number of materials, metallic and nonmetallic, or acombination thereof. Still further, all of the frame members 21, 22, 24,25 can be permanently connected to one another or temporarily connectedto allow for ease in breakdown and transport of the frame 20 for gameplaying in one environment, such as on concrete, and then on anotherone, such as grass. Still further, the rear support members 21 thatsupport the circular frame member 22 from behind can be configured astelescoping structures, if desired or required.

As comparatively shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be appreciated that thecircular primary frame member 22 can also be tilted angularly rearwardfrom the horizontal, and any number of angles can be used. This isaccomplished by movement of the secondary rear support member 25 throughthe connection member 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 20 is shown inthe “down” position whereas FIG. 2 shows the frame 20 in the “up”position. As alluded to above, the secondary rear support member 25comprises and upper end 15 and a lower end 16, the lower end 16 beingconfigured for placement on a generally flat and substantiallyhorizontal surface 1. The lower the connection member 26 is set to ahorizontal surface, the greater the angle of tilt of the circularprimary frame member 22. Alternatively, the frame 20 can be configuredfor built-in angular adjustment as desired or required by the users.This could include telescoping frame members or other rotationalstructural arrangement, such as a tilt mechanism that allows rotationbut also allows the user to “lock” the circular frame member 22 at aparticular angle.

Disposed within and suspended from the circular frame member 22 is aresilient and substantially conical ball impact and rebound member,generally identified 30. The conical member 30 is intended to be made ofa resilient material such as materials of the type used in trampolinesand the like. This could include, but is not limited to, a waterproofcanvas, polypropylene material or other strong fabric. The materialcould also be net-like, as long as it can be pulled into tension and aball can be rebounded by it without having the ball pass through the netat whatever speed the ball is thrown. At its outer perimeter or edge 32,the conical member 30 is secured to the circular primary frame member 22at multiple points such that the front of the conical member 30 issuspended at its outer perimeter 32 by the circular primary frame member22, the member 30 being held in tension. Each attachment point comprisesa frame attachment member 32. As shown in FIG. 5A, each attachmentmember 33 comprises a loop-like structure that wraps around a portion ofthe circular frame member 22. It is also possible to configure theattachment members 33 to be constructed of a resilient material as well.That is, the overall resiliency of the device 10 can be accomplished byusing a resilient conical member 30, resilient attachment members 33, ora combination thereof. In any of these configurations, the reboundresiliency or tautness required can be accomplished.

At the center and bottommost portion of the conical ball impact andrebound member 30 is a center aperture 34 having an edge 35. See FIG.5B. Disposed within this center aperture 34 is a plurality of secondaryattachment members 36, the secondary attachment members 36 beingconstructed of material that may be similar to that of the attachmentmembers 33 or may be made of a stiffer material or even rigid material.

Referring back to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the center aperture 34referenced above is pulled from behind the circular frame member 22 by ashaft member, generally identified 40, having a ring or eyelet 44 orother member for attaching one end 45 of a cord 46 to it. The oppositeend 47 of the cord 46 is anchored to the connection member 26 via a ringor eyelet 49. Disposed between the two ends 45, 47 of the cord 46 is aratchet-type tension mechanism 48 that can control the tension andrigidity of the center 38 of the conical ball impact and rebound member30. As shown, the shaft member 40 comprises a flat head 41 that extendsthrough the center 34 of the cone 30 and that can be considered to bethe equivalent of a step “edge” or “corner” in the pinners game. Thisflat head 41 provides a “sweet spot” that maximizes trajectory 62 of theball, generally identified 60, as shown in FIG. 2A of the drawingsherein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, it can be appreciated that the ball-reboundingdevice 10 can be used in virtually any environment and on any surface 1.As shown, the ball-rebounding device 10 can be immovably anchored insand, grass and snow, but is also adapted and configured to resistivelybe placed on any concrete, asphalt or gym floor surface. Surfaceanchoring is accomplished via the non-skid feet or caps 27 that aredisposed at the distal ends of each of the forward and rearward framesupport members 24, 25. In the case of sand or snow, the support members24, 25 can be pushed into the sand or snow. It is also possible to usestakes 51.

Irrespective of the surface on which the game is played, additional game“boundary” elements are provided in the system and method of the presentinvention. Those include a forward thrower line 52 disposed in front ofand closest to the ball-rebounding device 10, beyond which the throwermay not step. A rearward thrower line 54 is disposed behind the thrower(not shown) beyond which the through may not step. At angles extendingaway from the rearward thrower line 54 is a pair of angularout-of-bounds lines 56 that can project away from the rearward throwerline 54 to form boundaries for the game. Additional extensions 59 can beprovided and the ends of the extensions 59 can be staked, as can theends of the out-of-bounds lines 56, particularly where water play is theenvironment, to maintain line position in the body of water. Any of thelines 52, 54, 56 can comprise a linear material such as a cord and lines54, 56 may be comprised of a single length of cord. The lines 52, 54, 56are held in position by a plurality of line positioning members,generally identified 58. Relative to the angular out-of-bounds lines 56,the positioning members 58 can be colored to designate, for example, afirst base hit, a second base hit, a third base hit and a home run hit,all in accordance with the way that the users choose to play the game.In all cases, however, the defensive players are positioned within andbetween the out-of-bounds lines 56. It is also possible to configure thesame elements as having glow-in-the dark features for nighttime play andother embellishments of the game.

As alluded to previously, the ball-rebounding device 10 and the otherboundary elements 56, 58 can be position on a beach wherein the forwardthrower line 52 is positioned on sand and all of the other boundaryelements are buoyant, wherein the defensive players assume theirpositions in the water for appropriate ball retrieval. Depending on thewater depth, the out-of-bounds lines 56 can be movable inwardly tooffset water resistance imparted on the players. The ball game systemfurther includes stakes 51 for anchoring the ends of the out-of-boundslines 56 when the system is used at the edge of a water body. Again, seeFIG. 1.

In application, the ball-rebounding device 10 and its boundary elements52, 54, 56 are set in place. The ball 60 is then thrown at theball-rebounding device 10 and its substantially conical ball impact andrebound surface 30. Ball rebound trajectory 62 then depends on twofactors—how hard the ball 60 is thrown and where the ball 60 strikes thesubstantially conical ball impact and rebound surface 30, which iscomprised of a resilient surface. As can be appreciated, this resilientsurface is tapered such that ball 60 rebound and trajectory 62 isrendered unpredictable, or predictable depending on the skill of theball thrower.

1. A ball game device comprising: a frame, the frame comprising; aprimary frame member; two front support members, each configured forattachment to the primary frame member; at least one rear support memberhaving a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end connected tothe primary frame member and being configured for supporting the primaryframe member in a generally angled position relative to the horizontaland the at least one rear support further being configured to extendrearwardly of the primary frame member; at least one secondary rearsupport member having an upper end and a lower end, the lower endconfigured for placement on a generally flat and substantiallyhorizontal surface, the at least one secondary rear support memberconfigured to be disposed in a substantially vertical position; aconnection member, the connection member being configured to receivetherein the distal end of the at least one rear support member andfurther being configured to allow the at least one secondary rearsupport member to pass through the connection member; a conical ballimpact and rebound surface suspended within the primary frame member;and a flat head member disposed substantially within the center of theball impact and rebound surface; wherein a ball thrown at the conicalball impact and rebound surface will impact and rebound from suchsurface; and wherein a ball thrown at the flat head member will impactand maximize rebound from the flat head member.
 2. The ball game deviceof claim 1 wherein the primary frame member is configured as a circleand is further configured to be presented at an angle relative to thevertical.
 3. The ball game device of claim 2 wherein the primary framemember, the at least one rear support member, and the at least onesecondary rear support member are each configured as a tubularstructure.
 4. The ball game device of claim 3 wherein the conical ballimpact and rebound surface is suspended within the primary frame membervia a plurality of outer perimeter attachment members.
 5. The ball gamedevice of claim 4 wherein the conical ball impact and rebound surfacecomprises a resilient material.
 6. The ball game device of claim 5wherein the conical ball impact and rebound surface suspended within theprimary frame member further comprises a center aperture having an edgeand wherein the flat head member disposed substantially within thecenter of the ball impact and rebound surface comprises a portion of ashaft member that is suspended therein by a plurality of inner perimeterattachment members and projects forwardly of the center aperture.
 7. Theball game device of claim 6 wherein the shaft member is attached to oneend of a cord and a tensioning means wherein the tautness of the conicalball impact and rebound surface is configured to be varied via thetensioning means.
 8. A ball game system comprising: a resilient ball; aframe against which the ball may be thrown, the frame comprising: aprimary frame member; two front support members each configured forattachment to the primary frame member; at least one rear support memberhaving a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end connected tothe primary frame member and being configured for supporting the primaryframe member in a generally angled position relative to the horizontaland the at least one rear support further being configured to extendrearwardly of the primary frame member; one secondary rear supportmember having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end configured forplacement on a generally flat and substantially horizontal surface, thesecondary rear support member configured to be disposed in asubstantially vertical position; a connection member, the connectionmember being configured to receive therein the distal end of thesecondary rear support member and further being configured to allow thesecondary rear support member to pass through the connection member; aconical ball impact and rebound surface suspended within the primaryframe member; and a flat head member disposed substantially within thecenter of the ball impact and rebound surface; wherein the ball impactsand rebounds from the conical ball impact and rebound surface when theball is thrown at such surface; and wherein the ball impacts andrebounds from the flat head member when the bail is thrown at the flathead member.
 9. The ball game system of claim 8 wherein the primaryframe member is configured as a circle and is further configured to bepresented at an angle relative to the vertical.
 10. The ball game systemof claim 9 wherein the primary frame member, the at least one rearsupport member, and the secondary rear support member are eachconfigured as a tubular structure.
 11. The ball game system of claim 10wherein the conical ball impact and rebound surface is suspended withinthe primary frame member via a plurality of outer perimeter attachmentmembers.
 12. The ball game system of claim 11 wherein the conical ballimpact and rebound surface comprises a resilient material.
 13. The ballgame system of claim 12 wherein the conical ball impact and reboundsurface suspended within the primary frame member further comprises acenter aperture having an edge and wherein the flat head member disposedsubstantially within the center of the ball impact and rebound surfacecomprises a portion of a shaft member that is suspended therein by aplurality of inner perimeter attachment members.
 14. The ball gamesystem of claim 13 wherein the shaft member is attached to one end of acord and a tensioning means wherein the tautness of the conical ballimpact and rebound surface is configured to be varied via the tensioningmeans,
 15. The ball game system of claim 14 further comprises aplurality of boundary elements.
 16. The ball game system of claim 15wherein the plurality of boundary elements comprise a forward throwerline, a rearward thrower line and a pair of out-of-bounds lines thatextend angularly rearward from the rearward thrower line to define agame playing area.
 17. The ball game system of claim 16 furtherincluding stakes for anchoring the ends of the out-of-bounds lines whenthe system is used at the edge of a water body.
 18. A ball game methodwherein a bail throwing pitcher throws a bail at the frame configured inaccordance with claim
 16. 19. The ball game method of claim 17 whereinat least one defending ball catcher is positioned within the boundaryelements.
 20. The ball game method of claim 18 wherein the frame isconfigured to be immovable during game play irrespective of the surfaceupon which the frame is placed.